Google to Launch Streaming Music Service

The New York Times reports that Google is planning to unveil a streaming music service along the lines of Spotify, Rdio, and Rhapsody. The company is expected to make the announcement tomorrow (May 15) during Google I/O, their annual developer conference.

According to the Times, it will not be a free service. Though there isn't a specific price point yet, their sources say that the monthly cost will be similar to other competing services: "about $10 a month."

Google has reportedly been negotiating with record companies for months on the service. The Times' Ben Sisario writes that negotiations have been slow going partially due to the Recording Industry Association of America, who have criticized Google for their handling of music piracy. The company has reportedly struck deals with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.

Also worth noting: Google-owned company YouTube is reportedly also working on its own music service. There are few details of what that will entail.

Back in late 2011, Google launched Google Music (which has since been folded into their Google Play service), their music store and cloud-based player and storage system.